The Burning of Edinburgh marks a significant event in the era known as the Rough Wooing, initiated by the English in their quest to assert control over Scotland. The English army, led by Edward Seymour, the Duke of Somerset, embarked on a military campaign aimed at securing a marriage alliance between Henry VIII of England and the infant Mary, Queen of Scots. Aimed at bringing Scotland under English domination, this military action was characterized by aggression and marked by a decisive show of force.

Upon reaching Edinburgh, the English forces unleashed considerable destruction, culminating in the burning of the city. This act was not merely an assertion of power but also a method to instill fear and submission among the Scottish people. The attack resulted in the loss of homes, treasures, and significant cultural heritage, igniting a fiery response from the Scottish nobility and populace alike. This brutal campaign highlighted the tumultuous relationship between the two nations, fueled by desires for power, territorial control, and dynastic connections.

In the broader context of European politics of the time, the Rough Wooing can be seen as a manifestation of religious and dynastic tensions, where Scotland's allegiance to the Catholic Church stood in stark contrast to the Protestant reformation gaining momentum in England. The devastating event at Edinburgh not only intensified the animosity between England and Scotland but also influenced the future course of Scottish resistance against English encroachment. It became a catalyst for the Scottish crown's determination to reject English marriage proposals and assert their sovereignty.